Why can't I activate Windows? (2024)

FAQs

Why wont it let me activate Windows? ›

Reasons why you might see these errors: You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different product key or buy a new product key. You upgraded to Windows 10, but the activation servers were busy.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot to run the Activation troubleshooter. For more info about the troubleshooter, see Using the Activation troubleshooter.

Some of the personalization features in Windows Settings are greyed out if you don't activate Windows. You cannot change the Windows desktop wallpapers, windows colors and themes, customize Start menu/taskbar/lock screen/title bar/fonts, etc. Still, you cannot use Windows Dark Mode.

Activate Windows using a product key

During installation, you'll be prompted to enter a product key. Or, after installation, to enter the product key, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Update product key > Change product key.

One of the first screens you'll see will ask you to enter your product key so you can "Activate Windows." However, you can just click the "I don't have a product key" link at the bottom of the window and Windows will allow you to continue the installation process.

Method 1: Using Product Key

#1) Open Settings or press Windows + I from the keyboard and click on “Update & security” as shown in the image below. #2) Click on “Activation” as shown in the image below and then click on “Change product key.” #3) A dialog box will open. Enter the product key and click on “Next”.

There are no functional restrictions in non-activated Windows 10, with the exception of one - personalization settings are not available. This means you won't be able to change themes, wallpapers, accent colors, and the like.

How do I reset my Windows key? ›

In the Windows 10, open start and go to Settings->Update & Security and in the right side click on Activation and you should see option to change the product key.

If you have one copy of Windows and you installed it on more than one PC, activation might not work. The product key has already been used on more PCs than allowed by the Microsoft Software License Terms. To activate new additional PCs, you must buy a new product key or copy of Windows for each one.

However, activating the operating system through other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal.

You won't lose anything by activating, unless you have a business version which must be reinstalled to activate as a consumer.

So, to sum it up, your Windows key might not be working because: Windows has disabled it. It's been locked by your keyboard (usual occurrence in Corsair, Razer, and other gaming keyboards) Malware or virus attack might have stopped it.

Type and search [Activation settings]① in the Windows search bar, then click [Open]②. Select [Change product key]③. Type a product key with a 25-character code④, then select [Next]⑤ to start to verify and activate your Windows.